Head Start Teaching Assistant-Float

Young World Physical Education

Kansas City (MO)

On-site

USD 32,000 - 42,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Health and Dental Insurance

Pension plan with mandatory contribution

Voluntary retirement savings plans

Job summary

A local educational institution in Kansas City seeks a Head Start Teaching Assistant Float. The role supports classrooms and develops curriculum for children's health and cognitive development. Candidates should hold a CDA or be enrolled in a program, with experience in early childhood education and the ability to work collaboratively. This full‑time position offers health benefits and requires lifting and engaging with children at various ability levels, ensuring their safety and development.

Qualifications

Possess a Preschool Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or be enrolled in a CDA program.
Successful background check and initial physical/TB screening required.
Background check clearance and TB screening completed.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with instructors to develop and implement lesson plans.
Assist with data collection for developmental assessment.
Create a safe and healthy classroom environment.
Engage families in classroom activities.

Skills

Experience working with preschoolers and infants

CDA Credential or enrolled in CDA program

Ability to lift objects/children of at least 40 pounds

Education

CDA or degree in Early Childhood

Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree related to the field

Job description

Head Start Teaching Assistant-Float

Kansas City School District - KCMO Various Locations - Other - Kansas City, Missouri

This job is also posted in Kansas City Public Schools.

Job Details

Job ID: 5529889

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Feb 09, 2026 6:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

KANSAS CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Job Title: Head Start Teaching Assistant Float

Job Title Code: 01642

Salary Grade: Z03-H - Z05-H

Department: Office of Early Learning

Reports To: Director of Head Start

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Purpose of Job: The HS Teaching Assistant Float works with both the Head Start and possibly the Early Head Start programs as a support position for absent teaching staff to implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and daily activities that supports children’s health, social‑emotional and cognitive development, as well as support staffing needs due to breaks and paid time off.

What You’ll Be Doing (Responsibilities)

Collaborate with the Early/Head Start Classroom Instructors to develop and implement weekly lesson plans utilizing the approved curriculum, assessment and daily classroom routine.
Assist with data collection to support the ongoing developmental assessment process utilizing the DRDP (Desired Results Developmental Profile). This requires the use of an iPad and other technology methods.
Promote and support children’s social, emotional and physical development. Plan, facilitate and nurture the development of each child’s self‑esteem, trust, and growing autonomy.
Individualize instruction to promote the development of each child’s cognitive and language skills by preparing the environment for pre‑K, infants and toddlers to learn through active exploration and interaction with caregivers. Respond quickly to children’s personal needs (verbal and non‑verbal cues), temperament styles, and abilities.
Promote an environment that is consistent with the philosophy of Head Start, Trauma Smart, and Conscious Discipline classroom management techniques. Establish and maintain respectful and responsive interactions. Support the development of adaptive skills.
Support a classroom environment that aligns with CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System). This includes creating a positive climate, engaging in meaningful interactions, and promoting language and critical thinking skills.
Maintain a safe and healthy classroom environment as required by Head Start Program Performance Standards. This includes the effective supervision of children, utilizing C.A.S.E. when transitioning children from one location to another and maintaining the required classroom ratio. Monitor the arrival and departure of children and record attendance accurately and consistently.
Participate in assigned trainings (minimum 15 hours annually), professional learning communities, and collaborate professionally with Head Start content leads and management team.
Treat children, families and colleagues with professionalism and support a positive work environment that aligns with the philosophy of KCPS Head Start, Trauma Smart and Conscious Discipline. Engage families in classroom volunteer activities.
Follow district guidelines for reporting incidents of suspected abuse, neglect or contagious disease.
Utilize relevant district and Head Start software and technology effectively in the performance of duties. Complete paperwork according to assigned timelines and follow code of conduct and confidentiality policies.
Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Qualifications

Possess a Preschool Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or be enrolled and complete the CDA or degree within 2 years per MARC.
Experience working with preschoolers and infants and toddlers.
Successful completion of required background check and submission of an initial physical and TB screening.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood or Related Field.
Three (3) years successful experience working with birth to five.
Experience working with teen parents.
Experience working in culturally diverse communities.
Experience working with Head Start programs.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job requires that the employee be able to: sit, stand, walk, speak, hear, use hands, fingers, reach with hands and fingers; bend, stoop, lift objects/children of at least forty pounds; use stairs; move quickly from one space to another; spend extended time outdoors in a variety of weather conditions; visual ability requires mono and color vision.

Terms of Employment

Length of work year: 10 months
Benefits: Health and Dental Insurance are provided. KCPS Defined Benefit Pension plan – mandatory 9% contribution is required from employees and matched by KCPS; Voluntary retirement savings plans are also available.
Why Join Kansas City Public Schools? Be a Changemaker. Collaborate with Passionate Colleagues. #LevelUp the Future.
Position Type: Full‑Time

Contact Information